Positive signs for NSW on World Aids Day

A state government report on World Aids Day shows hopeful signs for NSW with fewer people being diagnosed despite an increase in testing.

Health authority data released on Thursday shows 70 people in NSW were diagnosed with HIV in the third quarter of 2016 - the lowest level of new cases in four years.

The result is significant because there was a 27 per cent increase in testing compared with the same quarter last year.

With the continued fight against HIV - with prevention, testing, new diagnoses and treatment - NSW is on track to achieve the virtual elimination of HIV transmission in four years' time, said Health Minister Jillian Skinner in a statement.